Associate Buyer

Winmark Corporation • Plymouth, MN

8d • $60,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and resourceful Buyer to develop impactful buying programs and establish strong vendor relationships for Winmark’s brands. This role plays a crucial part in negotiating contracts, working collaboratively across departments, and driving value-driven merchandise and programs into our franchise stores.

Winmark Corporation is a premier, nationally recognized franchisor of over 1,300 resale retail stores in North America, including Once Upon A Child®, Plato’s Closet®, Play It Again Sports®, Music Go Round® and Style Encore®.

At Winmark Corporation you collaborate with others who are passionate about cultivating strong relationships and those who want to make a positive influence on communities, while making a sustainable impact on the world. At Winmark you will discover what it’s like to work for a company where taking care of our people is genuinely a top priority – where we seek out those looking for a career, not just a job, and we offer exceptional benefits.

Requirements

• 4-year degree in business or related field, with 2+ years prior buying experience in retail related product lines.
• Excellent problem solving, verbal and written communication skills. Negotiating and program development skills required.
• Strong organizational and time management skills required with attention to detail. Ability to work independently.
• Must display a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, tact and diplomacy in all interactions with franchisees and customers.
• Position requires a strong working knowledge of MS Office and technical aptitude.
• Requires the ability to travel within the United States and Canada as necessary to work with vendors and franchisees. Travel to stores and conferences as required.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate national programs to secure quality products with competitive pricing, terms, and freight arrangements.
• Build strong vendor partnerships to develop resources for stores, including buying guides, assortment plans, and visual presentation guides.
• Serve as the primary liaison for vendor participation in conferences and trade shows, and conduct new product workshops.
• Deliver training for new franchisees on buying principles, inventory management, and merchandising and provide tailored opening order recommendations for new stores based on top-performing items.
• Analyze category performance to communicate trends and opportunities to the franchise system.

Benefits

• rich health and welfare benefits such as a low premium, low deductible health plan
• dental insurance
• company-paid life and short-term disability insurance
• generous paid time off
• profit sharing
• 401(k) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level